A gangster who tried to frame his pregant girlfriend after being caught with a loaded semi-automatic handgun has been jailed for 15 years.

Jonothan Odokama, 25, blamed 24-year-old Mykala Nelson after officers discovered the weapon hidden in a sock during a raid of their house in Tennison Road, South Norwood, in November.

Despite "significant evidence" implicating him, he maintained his innocent through week-long trial at Croydon Crown Court last month and wrongly accused Miss Nelson of owning the Baikal gun, found loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.

But a jury found Odokama guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life and acquitted Miss Nelson of the same charges.

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The Baikal semi-automatic gun found in Odokama's house

The couple were arrested along with a second 25-year-old man on November 11 and the Metropolitan Police's Trident gang command and specialist firearms unit executed a search warrant.

The second man was released without charge.

Detective Inspector Paul Dorey, of Trident, said the case highlighted the danger posed to partners of gang members.

He said: "The arrest and conviction of Jonothan Odokama demonstrates Trident's continued commitment to target dangerous criminals concerned in gangs and firearm criminality.

"This successful prosecution also highlights the dangers posed to female partners of gang members who are used to store firearms.

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The gun was found with ammo hidden in a sock

"Even when confronted with significant evidence regarding his possession of the firearm, Odokama attempted to blame his girlfriend.

"However upon hearing all evidence the jury found him guilty of firearm offences and acquitted his girlfriend.

"I hope that the sentence given to Odokama will send a clear message to those concerned in gun crime including females storing guns; Trident officers will relentlessly pursue them and they can expect to be identified, brought before the courts."

In April, the Croydon Guardian highlighted the stories of young women told to carry weapons by gang members because they thought were less likely to be searched. 

Campaigners have called for more help for women and girls to escape gang culture.